The Foundation Certificate in Higher Education is an online Level 3 foundation course designed to provide you with the English, Maths and Study skills required in order to study at a higher education level.

Why should I take this course?

This course aims to provide you with the transferable skills, knowledge and competence required to gain an accessible route into Higher Education with the opportunity to progress on to undergraduate or postgraduate courses that require a higher level of English and Maths.

It bridges the gap for any students who do not currently hold the appropriate level or traditional entry qualifications in English and Maths to embark on their learning journey into higher education. It is also ideal for those who already have a wealth of experience and a range of qualifications but may not have previously studied at university level. This course provides you with an opportunity to learn the skills taught at GCSE/AS Maths and English levels or equivalent, while introducing academic study skills that will help you with future higher educational courses.

You may also be looking to refresh your study skills before taking the next step in education, looking to take this course as part of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or to enhance your career employability.

What modules will I study?

For the Foundation Certificate you will need to study two core modules: Study Skills for Higher Education and English for Academic Purposes. You can then choose one of two optional modules - either Technical English or Introduction to Maths in Preparation for Higher Education.

Alternatively you can choose to complete individual Certificates of Credit in each of the skills.

Complete one 20 credit module and achieve a Certificate of Credit

You may wish to complete just one module to update your skills for undergraduate or postgraduate study or as part of your CPD and personal development. You can study all of the modules individually if you chose to, but collectively they cannot be classed as the Foundation Certificate.

Each 20 credit module can be completed as a standalone award and you will receive a Certificate of Credit upon completion in the following:

Access to UDOL’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses

If you wish to complete a University of Derby Online Learning undergraduate or postgraduate course, we will accept this Foundation Certificate of Higher Education as evidence that you are able to perform at a suitable level of IELTS 6.0 which will improve your eligibility for a number of our courses, providing you have a IELTS 4.5 and meet all additional entry criteria.

Although this course is not classed as a GCSE equivalent, it will enable you to demonstrate your ability to study at English and/or Maths GCSE level. The University of Derby Online Learning recognise upon successful completion of this course that you are able to meet the academic requirements needed to study at higher education level for many of our undergraduate or postgraduate programmes providing you meet additional criteria.

Preparing you for IELTS

If you are an International student, this course will provide you with the opportunity to develop the appropriate academic English Language competences needed at Level 3, giving you ideal preparation for undertaking IELTS 6.0 testing at a local centre in your country. Although this course is not an IELTS qualification, you will have an opportunity to underpin your knowledge to complete the IELTS test.

Enhancing your Personal Development Plan (PDP)

This course is also an ideal way to update your Personal Development Planning (PDP). There will be opportunities for you to reflect on your progress and the learning journey within activities set in the academic skills module. The activities will help equip you with the required skills needed in the development of your digital literacy and communication skills and provide you with a foundation for future development in education. During the course you will be directed to activities that will assist in developing your study and career plans, utilising digital tools and technologies.

The Foundation Certificate in Higher Education is a 60 credit, Level 3 foundation course designed to provide you with the English, Maths and Study skills required in order to study at undergraduate level. It is an ideal course to undertake if you are new to Higher Education or if you want to refresh or improve your skills. The course also offers the opportunity for you to take individual Certificates of Credit in each of the skills – ideal if you do not need to refresh all of your skills.

Find out more about the online Foundation Certificate in Higher Education course

Listen to our recording of the Academic Lead for Education, Lucy Hutchinson talking more about the online Foundation Certificate in Higher Education course.